The recent release of the compilation movie Solo Leveling: ReAwakening, which recaps the anime’s first season and previews the first two episodes of Season 2, has heightened anticipation for the series' return as fans eagerly await the continuation of Jinwoo Sung’s journey to become the world’s greatest hunter.
With the second season titled Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadows, there are now questions about the true villain hiding in the dark. Many fans believe this antagonist has been lurking in plain sight all along.
The new season promises deeper storylines and formidable foes, pushing Jinwoo to his limits as he strives to level up and cement his status as the top hunter. But beyond physical battles, Jinwoo will face psychological challenges, including betrayals from those closest to him.
So, who is the new villain in Solo Leveling Season 2? Read on to find out.
Solo Leveling Season 2 Key Visual Seems to Hint the Next Villain
On Reddit, user SoloLevelingMemes shared the Solo Leveling Season 2 visual, highlighting what appeared to be an image of Beru, the shadow of the Ant King, hidden within Jinwoo’s flowing cloak.
In the first episode of the anime’s first season, hunters were shown battling enormous ants on a mysterious island. Even the S-Rank hunters struggled against these formidable creatures.
This scene just showed how powerful a villain Beru could be. If these colossal insects posed such a threat to high-ranking hunters, imagine the danger posed by the shadow of the Ant King himself.
Who is Beru?
Beru is a massive, humanoid shadow ant with a light purple glow, neon eyes, sharp claws, and smoky wings.
Designed as a creature born to kill, he wields immense power and is always eager for battle. Unsurprisingly, he fights with brutal efficiency, targeting his enemies' weakest points for instant kills.
However, despite his relentless thirst for combat, Beru is fiercely loyal to his master and possesses an unexpected soft side.
One of the ongoing gags in the series reveals his love for Korean period dramas, which is humorously credited for inspiring his historically influenced way of speaking.
What to Expect from Solo Leveling Season 2?
Solo Leveling Season 2 is set to pick up where the first season left off. Once the world’s weakest hunter, Jinwoo has become the strongest after his near-death experience in the Double Dungeon.
With the help of the “System,” a program that assigns quests to help users level up, Jinwoo has gained extraordinary abilities, granting him incredible strength.
After defeating the knight commander Igris in the first season finale, Jinwoo has become the Shadow Monarch, granting him the power to command a Shadow Army made up of his fallen enemies.
However, the stakes are higher than ever. With dungeon breaks weakening the barriers between the real world and the System’s world, S-rank monsters have begun invading the Korean mainland. Jinwoo must now prepare for an epic battle in Solo Leveling Season 2.
In its first half, the upcoming season is expected to adapt key arcs from Chugong’s manhwa, including the Red Gate Arc (Chapters 46–55) and the Demon Castle Arc (Chapters 56–75).
Solo Leveling Season 2 is set to premiere in January 2025.